Mango Buyer's Guide

How to pick a perfect mango.

The ripest mangoes have a sweet fruity aroma at stem ends and flesh that gives slightly when gently squeezed. (Don’t judge by color; redness doesn’t always equal ripeness.) Refrigerate ripe mangoes for up to five days. Firm mangoes ripen at room temperature; speed the process by placing in a paper bag.

The six types of mangoes commonly found in supermarkets are usually generically labeled and vary seasonally. Here’s how to discern which luscious mango is in your market today.

Related Tips

Ataulfo

Ataulfo mangoes, from Mexico, Ecuador and Guatemala, are small and yellow with a flattened oval shape. Their delicate flavor balances spicy and sweet notes, and the texture is delightfully buttery. Ataulfo appears briefly in January and returns mid-February until mid-August.